Member of Parliament for East Portland, Ann Marie Vaz, says the Port Antonio Hospital has outgrown its capacity and needs to be relocated.

She called on Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton to mobilise the resources to relocate the health facility.

She noted that Portland’s population has increased, and development plans for the parish will further increase the population. As such, she believes a larger location is needed to meet the needs of residents.

While delivering her remarks in Parliament on Wednesday, the member of parliament also pointed out that there is no mammography machine at the hospital. This, she said, affects women in Portland, St Mary, and St Thomas, who have to travel to Kingston for tests.

“We want you to put this in your 2023/2024 budget. Let this be the last year that my sisters have to make this journey by bus from Portland to get tested. After all, our health is our wealth, and we must do all to protect it,” she said.

Vaz noted that cancer can have a devastating impact on families, and early detection can save lives.

She shared that the Free Mammogram Programme through the Action Ann Foundation has for four years helped the women of Portland to receive a mammogram.

“To date, we have spent over J$7 million benefiting hundreds of women in Portland. They are taken by bus to Kingston, given a stipend, tested, and returned to Portland,” she shared.

This year, 120 women will receive free mammograms through the programme.